Dry cleaning apparatus



Original Filed Aug. 30, 1926 INVENTOR.

ieissued May 26, 1936 PATENT OFFICE DRY CLEANING APPARATUS Harold F. Silver, Salt Lake City, Utah, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Original No. 1,775,699, dated September 16, 1930,

Serial No. 132,513, August 30, 1926. Application forreissue October 28, 1931, Serial No.

24 Claims.

This invention is an improvement in dry cleaning apparatus, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a simple, novel and ellicient apparatus for washing clothes or the like in a solvent, then drying the clothes, then defuming or removing gas fumes from the clothes,

' and finally distilling or reclaiming the solvent for Ireuse, the apparatus embodying certain novel arjrangements and combinations of parts herein- ;after set forth.

i I will explain the invention with reference to Ithe accompanying drawing which illustrates one Ipractical embodiment thereof to enable others familiar with the art to adopt and use the same,

and I will summarize in the claims the esseni'tials of the invention, the novel features of construction, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

The drawing shows a diagrammatic sectional view of my novel apparatus.

As shown in the drawing my novel apparatus 5 preferably comprises a washer I supported above the floor level in any desired manner and having I a revolvable drum I therein, mounted at one 5 end on a horizontally disposed shaft I extending 9 through a suitable stuffing box I in the side of the washer casing, said shaft having a gear wheel I thereon whereby the drum may be rotated within the washer casing,

Extending into the opposite end of easing I in alignment with shaft I is a pipe 2, the inner end of which forms a bearing for the adjacent end of drum I, mounted thereon by means of a suitable oilless bearing I pipe 2 discharging into the interior of the drum. In the top of easing I is a charging door I' through which the clothes or other articles may be introduced into the drum I.

Pipe 2 is connected to the outlet of an air heater 3 preferably comprising a casing mounted in any suitable manner above the floor level.

said casing having a plurality of vertically disposed pipes 3- mounted in a cylindrical casing 3 said pipes 3' extending from a point adjacent the top of the casing 3 to a point adjacent the bottom thereof, steam entering the casing 3 through a valved pipe 3' and draining from said casing through pipe 3. The dryingair for said heater is sucked in from the atmosphere through a pipe 4*, by means of a suitable rotary blower 4 disposed adjacent a lower corner of heater 3, the air from blower 4 passing upwardly .into the bottom of heater 3 adjacent one side thereof, and circulating upwardly along the inner side walls of heater 3 and down through the pipes 3 in the cylindrical casing 3 and out through pipe 2 into the drum I The hot solvent is discharged into the washer I through a pipe 5 leading from a suitable supply tank and condenser, hereinafter described. The solvent and air are both discharged from washer I through a pipe 6 leading from the bottom of the washer I into the screen l of lint trap 1, from whence the liquid solvent passes down through a valve 7 in the bottom of the lint trap I through pipe 8 and into a closed solvent receiving tank 9. Lint trap I is provided with a removable cover 'I= whereby the screen 7 may be removed for cleaning. The solvent laden air or vapors in lint trap I however pass upwardly through a pipe III to a Y-connection, one branch discharging into the atmosphere and the other into a cooler I I, hereinafter described. a fly-valve III being disposed in the Y-connection for closing one or the other branches thereof.

Cooler II preferably comprises a cylindrical casing having a closed top II"; the bottom II thereof being slightly conical or concave. Within the casing II are a plurality of coaxial baiiies I I, preferably cylindrical'in shape and one within the other, the alternate bailies extending to the top I I of the casing and the remaining baffles I I extending to the bottom II of the easing, suitable holes being provided at the bottom of said bailies for permitting the condensate to drain to the outlet II at the bottom corners of the cooler. Within the baiiles I l= are coils I I through which cooling water circulates, the water entering through pipe. II" and leaving the coils through pipe II An'alr pipe 4 connects the top of cooler II with the air pipe 4-. The air and vapors from lint trap I and pipe III pass through branch I 0' into the side of cooler II adjacent the top thereof and pass over and under the bailies II to the center of the cooler, the air passing upwardly and out through pipe 4* and returning to blower l, whfle the con- -densed vapors pass downwardly through outlet pipe II through sight-glass II, and into the top of a solvent supply tank and condenser I2 disposed below cooler I I.

The apparatus is preferably provided with suitable means for removing any water which may chance to become mixed with the liquid detergent, either as the result of moisture in the air circulated through the apparatus or which is introduced into the apparatus with fabric, clothing or other material in a damp condition. Whatever be the nature of the dry cleaning apparatus as a whole, the water removing means includes a water trap introduced into the communication between two receptacles, each having appreciable volume or capacity, from one to the other of which the liquid detergent flows, the water trap being of such nature as to permit separation of the water from the detergent while it is flowing from receptacle to receptacle through said communication and its consequent collection in one place where it is readily removed at intervals during the normal operation of the apparatus. In the particular form shown the water trap is specially designed for use with a liquid detergent which is heavier than water, such as carbon tetrachloride, and the water trap is located in advance of the washer, which constitutes one of the said receptacles. Therefore, the water is separated by the water trap during the course of its flow from a receptacle of the apparatus to the washer.

In the form shown, condenser I2 is cylindrical and is closed at top and bottom. In its upper portion are cooling coils I2? supplied with cooling water from a pipe II coming from the coils II, the cooling water discharging through the pipe I2. Cooled, condensed solvent or detergent collects in the bottom of the condenser I2, which serves as a receptacle in which to collect a relatively large volume of liquid detergent, and passes out from a low level in said condenser receptacle I2 by way of a pipe Iii to the water trap I3 disposed below and at one side of condenser I2.,

The lower portion of the water trap I3 is of appreciable size or capacity, although of course it need not have anywhere near the volume or capacity of either the receptacle l2 or washer I. It is provided with an upwardly extending discharge portioni3 provided with an outlet I3 which may be controlled by a valve I3 and which discharge .portion further communicates with a vent pipe I4 connected to the receiving tank 9 and to the cooler II. I

The trap I3 communicates by way of pipe 5 and the valve 5- with the chamber of the washer I, said pipe having an upwardly extending por-- tion rising vertically to a level above the bottom of discharge portion I3, so that when the apparatus is in operation there will always be some liquid in said discharge portion.

One of the receptacles, such as either the receptacle I2 or the washer I, or both of them, has a chamber portion which lies at approximately the level of the outlet I3 or higher, and both receptacles communicate with the trap I3 below the upper discharge portion I3 of reduced cross sectional area. Consequently, taking into consideration that water is the lighter of the two liquids, when the liquid level in either or both of said receptacles reaches or rises to approximately-the level of the outlet- I3 the column of liquid in the trap will correspondingly rise to a level somewhat above said outlet and therefore drive out the supernatant water from the column within the trap, assuming that valve I3 is either already open, or is opened by the' operator for the purpose of discharge. Further, that receptacle which has a chamber portion lying approximately at the level of said outlet or higher, and

- which may be either or both of the two receptacles,

also has its chamber including an appreciable volume lying below said outlet. Consequently, before liquid can be forced out from the outlet it is necessary to fill the appreciable volume of said chamber up to approximately the level of said outlet. As a result, when said chamber is alter- -nately charged and emptied, as is the case with the chamber of a washer, or the chamber of condenser, or a receptacle supplied by a condenser or other part of the apparatus, discharge of wa: ter is not continuous but only intermittent, talc ing place for a brief period toward or at the en of the operation of charging such receptacle. other words, intermittent discharge of wate; through the outlet is controlled or governed 1: rise and fall of liquid in a receptacle oi apprgiz ciable volume whose-chamber has a portion approximately the level of said outlet. In the arrangement shown in the drawing, the dis-; charge of water from the trap is produced inter-i mittently by rise and fall of the liquid in the condenser I2, from which liquid is withdrawn to the washer for a cleaning operation, thereby lowering the level in the condenser I2 and carrying the water to the trap I3,.and necessitating refilling the condenser to approximately the level of the outlet l3 to discharge water from said outlet. The upwardly extending discharge portion I3 of the trap is of reduced cross sectional area as compared with the cross sectional area of. the

lower portion of the trap to which pipes I3 and 5 are connected, the purpose of such construction being to reduce the area of the surface of contact between waterand detergent when said surface of contact lies in the upper dlscharge portion of the trap, and thereby reduce and miniymize, so far as possible, any. possible reaction between detergent and water, such as might lead to the production of hydrochloric acid. To the same end the water trap is preferably trapped by the upwardly extending portion of pipe 5, so as to always maintain some liquid in the reduced upwardly extending discharge portion I3 and thereby assist in maintaining the area oi the surface of contact between water and detergent re duced to a minimum.

Mounted below the condenser I2 is a still I5 disposed at approximately the same level as tank 9, and connectedtherewith by a pipe I5. A

clean-out valve I5 is provided at the bottom of 4 still I5. Within the still is a coil I5 of copper, through which "steam enters and leaves by pipes I5 and I5=, respectively. The top of still I5 is preferably conical to provide a vapor dome above the maximum level of solvent in the still and is connected by a pipe I5 extending upwardly through condenser I! to a point adjacent the top thereof, whereby the vapors .from still I5 are discharged into the condenser I2. The vapor dome permits a substantial ,volume of vaporous solvent' to remain in the still over a period of time before being discharged, whereby it becomes more comthis arrangement, when solvent is dumped into the receiving tank, the temperature or the still is not affected as much as it would be it the solvent were dumped into the still'direct. Thus, sudden temperature changes in the still due to incoming solvent are obviated.

In operation, the clothes to be cleaned are introduced into the drum I of washer I through the air-tight charging door i and the drum is then revolved by means of power applied to shaft I Valve 5 is then opened and hot solvent is allowed to fill'the washer I to any desired level. During the washing operation valve 'I however remains closed and the solventpasses through pipe 5 and fills the lint trap I to the same level as the liquid in washer I. When the clothes have been sufficiently washed, valve 7 is then opened and the dirty solvent is allowed to run through pipe 8 into the receiving tank 9. When the dirty solvent leaves the washer it flows through the screen I and all lint and large particles of foreign matter are thus retained in the lint trap. 'If a second or rinsing operation is necessary, valve I is again closed and the washing repeated.

When it is desired to dry the clothes, steam is allowed to enter the heating element 3 of heater 3 through pipe 3. Blower 4 is rotated and air is sucked from pipe 4 andforced into heater 3 and then through pipe 2 into washer I. The heated air evaporates any remaining portion of solvent in washer I and passes out of washer I through pipe 6. and through screen I of lint trap I, where all lint is retained, the air further passing upwardly through pipe ID, past fly-valve I, through pipe Iii into cooler II; In cooler II the air passes around the cooling coils II which are cooled by a continuous stream of cold water passing through them. The resultant cooling of the air condenses the vaporized solvent, which flows from cooler II through pipe I I down into condenser I2. The air in cooler II however passes through pipe 4 into pipe 4'- and hence again into blower 4. The drying operation is continued until all liquid solvent has been removed from the clothes in washer l. Pipe 4 is open to the atmosphere and the point at which it connects to the system is always at atmospheric pressure. There will be a slight flow of air inward from the atmosphere when the blower is started, and a slight flow outward when the blower is stopped, but the system soon reaches a state of equilibrium and there is no further flow.

A certain amount of vapor from the solvent remains in the washer after drying and for most satisfactory results should be removed from the clothes and the washer before the clothes are taken out. In order to accomplish such defuming,flyvalve I!) is turned to divert the flow of air from pipe branch ID to the atmosphere. Circulation through co'oler II is hence stopped and fresh air therefore commences to flow through pipes l blower 4, heater 3, pipe 2, washer I, pipe 6, lint trap I, pipe III, and into the atmosphere again. During the defuming operation valve I must remain closed.

The dirty solvent collected in the receiving tank 5 passes through pipe I5 into still I5. Steam is allowed to enter through pipe l5*- into the copper coils I5 to heat the solvent. The vapors from still I5 pass upwardly through pipe I S into the supply tank and condenser I2 where the vapors are condensed around cooling coils I 2- which are cooled by a continuous stream of cold water flowing through them. As the water used in cooler II is raised only a few degrees in temperature, the same stream may be used in the coils I2 of condenser I2. The course or the water is through pipe II, coils II pipe II coils I2, and out through waste pipe II The condensed solvent collects In the bottom of tank I2, flows through pipe I3, water trap I3, and into pipe 5 for use again in washer I. In the distilling operation all solids and greases remain in still l5, and after complete distillation of the solvent, may be removed through clean-out valve I 5". Tank I2 is preferably provided with an overflow pipe I2 which returns any excess solvent to pipe 8 and receiving tank 9. Thedistilling operation is continuous and is not affected by the other operations of the machine.

In my novel apparatus, the introduction of the drying air directly into the inside of drum I of washer I, and the exit of the vapor laden air through pipe 6 at the bottom of the washer gives a more thorough drying effect than can be obtained by forcing the air in at the bottom of the washer and out through the top thereof because vapor from the solvent is heavier and colder than the entering air and consequently tends to settle in the bottom of the washer. Air forced in at the bottom would tend to flow in a. channel toward the top without becoming saturated 'with the solvent vapor, whereas air forced in at the side or top tends to spread out in the washer and become saturated with vapor before being forced out at the bottom bf the washer.

The use of one lint trap 'I for both washing and drying has a distinct advantage from an operating viewpoint. My arrangement of forcing the air out at the bottom of the washer makes this possible. The arrangement whereby still I5, condenser I2, and cooler II are made circular, and'a're placed one above the other on the same supporting member makes the construction very simple. The circular construction of the cooler .with circular coils and circular baiiles makes it possible to get the coldest part of the pipe coil where it will do the most good. The cooler is relatively small in size, convenient in shape, and has a great cooling capacity.

The flow of the cooling water first through the cooler II and then through the condenser I2 makes it possible to use the maximum cooling capacity of the water and at the same time secure the most eflicient operation of the cooler and condenser. The efficiency of the cooler depends uponthe coldness of the water, but the condenser will operate just as well with the water a few degrees warmer providing the coil is made suii'iciently long. 4

The arrangement of piping whereby all tanks and chambers in the system always have access to the atmosphere without any intervening valves adds materially to the ease and safety of operation of the machine. I is very essential in maintaining the proper interchange of air and liquid when the machine is in operation. The fact that there is but one connection to the atmosphere for the whole system, except during the defuming operation when there are two, makes it possible for the air pressures within the system to balance themselves with a minimum loss of vapor into the atmosphere.

The arrangement of the various chambers and pipes whereby every hing is kept above the floor line while the opening or charging door in the washer is still accessible to a man standing on the floor is of the greatest importance. This makes it possible to build a complete machine at the factory without any erection or fitting to be done by the customer, except the necessary water, air, and steam connections.

The placing of the fly-valve III' in the air line between line trap I and cooler I I is important in minimizing the loss of vapor in the defuming operation. I

I claim:---

means for charging the washer with the solvent from the supply tank; means for returning the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the supply tank; and means for passing heated air through the washer, the air discharging from the washer through the lint trap and passing again to the heater.

2. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer; a blower; an air heater; a solvent supply tank; a lint trap, means for charging the washer with the solvent from the supply tank; means for returning the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the supply tank; said blower passing air from the atmosphere through the heater and washer, the air discharging from the washer through the lint trap and again to the atmosphere.

3. ,In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer; an air heater; 9. solvent'supply tank; a lint trap,

a cooler; means for charging the washer with solvent from the supply tank; means for returning the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the supply tank; means for passing heated air from the heater through the washer, said air and vapors discharging from the washer through the lint trap and passing to the cooler; means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater; means for'passing the condensate in the cooler to the supply tank; and alternative means for diverting the air and vapors from the lint trap to the atmosphere before reaching the cooler.

4. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer, an air heater, a receiving tank, a still connected with the tank, a supply tank, a cooler, a lint trap, means for charging the washer with solvent from the supply tank, means for discharging the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to v the receiving tank, means for passing heated air from the heater through the washer, said air and vapors discharging from the washer through the lint trap and passing to the cooler, means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater,

. means for passing the liquid condensed in the cooler to the supply tank, means for distilling the solvent from the still, means for condensing the distillate and collecting the condensate in said'supply tank, and alternative means for diverting the air and vapors from the lint trap to the atmosphere before reaching the cooler.

5. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer, an air heater, a solvent receiving tank, a still connected with said tank, a supply tank, a cooler,'

a lint trap, means-for charging the washer'with solvent from the supply tank, means for discharging the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the receiving tank, means for passing heated air from the heater through the washer, said air and vapors discharging from the washer through the lint trap and'passing to the cooler, means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater, means for passing the liquid condensed in the cooler to the supply tank, means for distilling the solvent from the still, means for condensing the distillate and collecting the condensate in said supply tank, and an overflow pipe connecting the supply tank with the receiving tank.

6. A dry cleaning apparatus, comprising a washer having an air inlet, a solvent inlet, and a common outlet; an air heater; a connection between the heater and air inlet oi the washer; a. solvent supply tank; a connection between said tank and solvent inlet of the washer; a cooler; a lint trap connected with the outlet of the washer; and air connection between the lint trap and cooler; a solvent connection between the lint trap and supply tank; an air connection, open to the atmosphere, between the cooler and air heater; and a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank.

7. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim I, a by-pass open to the atmosphere interposed in the connection between the lint trap and cooler; and a fly valve controlling said by- P388.

8. A dry' cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having an air inlet, a. solvent inlet, and a common outlet, an air heater, a connection between the heater and air inlet of the washer;

' a solvent still, a solvent supply tank, a conneclint trap and still, an. air connection open to the atmosphere between the cooler and air heater, a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank, and means for condensing the distillate and collecting the condensate in said supmy tank.

9. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 8, an overflow pipe from the top of the V supply tank to the still.

10. A dry cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having an air inlet, a solvent inlet,-and a common outlet, an air heater, a connection between the heater and air inlet of the washer, a solvent receiving tank, a supply tank, a still, a connection between said supply tank and solvent inlet of the washer, a cooler, a lint trap connected with the outlet of the washer, an air connection between the lint trap and cooler, a solvent connection between the lint trap and receiving tank, an air connection open to the atmosphere between the cooler and airheater, a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank, means for supplying the still with solvent from the receiving tank, and means for condensing the distillate and collecting the condensate in said supply tank.

11. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 10, means interposed between the supply tank and washer for. separating water from the solvent, and a;vent pipe connecting said means with the cooler and receiving tank.

12. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 10, an overflow pipe connecting the top of the supply tank with the receiving tank.

13. Apparatus of the character described in claim 10, wherein the receiving tank and still are disposed at approximately the same level and the means for supplying thestill with solvent from the receiving tank openly connects the lower ends of these vessels, whereby a minimum change in temperature in the still will be produced by intermittent discharge of used solvent from the lint trap into the receiving tank.

14. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer; a solvent receiving tank disposed below and connected with the washer; is still disposed at a'ptank maintaining the solvent in the still and receiving tank at the same level; said still having a vapor dome disposedabove the maximum level of solvent in the receiving tank; whereby intermittent discharge of solvent from the washer to the receiving tank will have a minimum effect upon the temperature of the still.

15. A dry cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having a solvent inlet, and an outlet; a solvent receiving tank disposed below and connected with the outlet; a still disposed at approximately the same level as the receiving tank; a pipe connection between the still and receiving tank permitting the solvent to rise to the same level in both chambers; said still having a vapor dome disposed about the maximum level of solvent in the receiving tank; means for condensing the solvent vapors of the still; and means for directing the condensate to the solvent inlet; whereby intermittent discharge of solvent from the washer to the receiving tank will have a minimum efiect upon the temperature of the still.

16. In a dry cleaning apparatus; a washer; a solvent supply tank; means for charging the washer with solvent from the supply tank; means for discharging the solvent from the washer; a lint trap in said discharging means for screen ing the used solvent; an air heater; and means for passing heated air through the washer, the heated air discharging from the washer through the lint trap to dry out the latter.

17. In a dry cleaning apparatus; a washer, means for charging the washer with a cleaning flu'id;- a lint trapthrough which the cleaning fluid is passed after use; and means for circulating air through the trap in alternation with the cleaning fluid to dry the same.

18. In a dry cleaning system for use with a volatile liquid detergent which is heavier than water, the combination of two chambered receptacles for the liquid, each having appreciable chamber volume, a chamber portion of the first thereof lying at a level above a chamber portion of the second thereof, a chambered water separator having an outlet from its upper portion, each of said receptacles communicating with the separator chamber below said outlet, the first receptacle from a low level of its chamber, so that liquid drains from the first receptacle to the second through the separator chamber, and one of said receptacles having a chamber portion lying at approximately the level of said outlet or higher and also having its chamber including an appreciable volume lying below said outlet, whereby rise of the level and consequent collection of an appreciable volume of liquid in said last named chamber causes discharge through said outlet of any water collected in the upper portion of said separator as the result of drainage from the first receptacle.

19. In a dry cleaning system, a combination of surface lies'in said discharge portion.

20. In a dry cleaning system, a combination of the form and arrangement specified in claim 18, in which the water separator is provided with an upwardly extending discharge portion leading to said outlet, the chambers of said receptacles communicatlng with the separator chamber below said discharge portion, said discharge portion being of reduced and relatively small cross sectlonal areaas compared with that of the separator chamber, whereby the area. of surface of contact where reaction is possible between water and. detergent is reducedto a minimum when said surface lies in said discharge portion, and the communication by which liquid flows away from the separator chamber includes a conduit provided with a portion extending upwardly beyond the lower end of said separator discharge portion, to thereby insure the presence at all times of some liquid in saiddischarge. portion.

21. In a dry cleaning system for use with a volatile liquid detergent which is heavier than water, the combination of a washer, a receptacle having a chamber of appreciable volume, a portion of which lies at a level above a portion of,

the washer chamber, a chambered water separator having an outlet from its upper portion, said washer and receptacle each communicating with the separator chamber below its outlet, the receptacle from a low level of its-chamber, so that liquid drains from receptacle to washer through the separator chamber, said receptacle having a chamber portion lying at approximately the level of said outlet or higher and also having its chamber including an appreciable volume lying below said outlet, whereby rise of the level and consequent collection of an appreciable volume of liquid in said receptacle causes discharge through said outlet of any water collected in the upper portion of said separator as the result of drainage from said receptacle.

22. In a dry cleaning system, a combination of the form and arrangement specified in claim 21, in which the water-separator is provided with an upwardly extending discharge portion leading to said outlet, the chambers of said receptacle and washer communicating with the separator chamber below said discharge portion, and said discharge portion being of reduced and relatively small cross sectional area as compared with that of the separator chamber, whereby the area of surface of contact where reaction is possible between water and detergent is reduced to a minimum when said surface lies in said discharge portion.

23. In a dry cleaning system, a combination of the form and arrangement specified in claim 21, in which the water separator is provided with an upwardly extending discharge portion leading to said outlet, the chambers of said receptacle and washer communicating with the separator chamber below said discharge portion, said discharge portion being of reduced and relatively small cross sectional area as compared with that of the separator chamber, whereby the area of surface of contact where reaction is possible between water and detergent is reduced to a minimum when said surface lies in said discharge portion, and the communication by which liquid flows away from the separator chamber includes a conduit provided with a portion extending upcauses discharge through said outlet of any water collected in the upper portion of said separator, and the discharge portion of said separator being of reduced and relatively small cross sectional area as compared with that of the separator chamber, whereby the area of surface of contact where reaction is possible between water and detergent is reduced to a minimum when said surface lies'in said discharge portion.

HAROLD F. SILVER. 

